The Old Mill Stables Equestiran Centre is committed to the training and development of its staff, students and clients in all areas of equestrianism. Old Mill Stables has existed for 60 years and continues to pride itself on the correct training of horse and riders; using traditional and established equestrian methods, whilst also incorporating new ideas and methods of training. 

Old Mill Stables considers itself as an education facility, instilling the grass roots of equestrian knowledge and safe procedures for future equestrian generations.  To that end Old Mill Stables actively encourages CPD and supports it staff and students to pursue recognised national qualifications.  

OMS supports and runs equine apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with Haddon Training. Jade Booton (OMS Principle Instructor & Partner) is a qualified TAQA Assessor and a Trainer/Coach working on behalf of Haddon Training. In addition to her Role as OMS Principle Instructor Jade Booton conducts and manages the training for level 2 and level 3  apprenticeship students at OMS and in the west Cornwall area. 

Due to Jades presence at the yard the entire apprenticeship programme can be conducted at OMS, removing the need for extensive travel between employment centre and collage sites. OMS has supported many students through their equine apprenticeships, last year saw two students  completed Level 3 and Level 2 assessments, with three further students now well on their way to gaining their qualifications. 

The Apprenticeship system consists of on the job training to develop an evidence based portfolio to document syllabus objectives and learning outcomes. Once portfolio objectives are complete the course culminates in an endpoint assessment conducted onsite at OMS using an external assessor. The Level 2 typically takes around 12 to 15 months to complete. A Level 3 typically takes 18 months to 24 months to complete. 

Throughout the course apprentices have regular meetings with Jade Booton their trainer-coach to identify areas needing further development/training and to review evidence collected to meet the syllabus requirements. In addition apprenticeship students are required to demonstrate wider learning “off the job hours” which is also evidenced in the course portfolio.